Botox Cosmetic & Dysport

Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® are both medicines that reduce unwanted lines and wrinkles in specific areas of the face by quieting the underlying muscle activity. In areas such as the forehead, glabella (area between the eyebrows), crows feet and areas around the mouth, the skin and underlying muscle connect so that when the muscle tightens, the skin overlying that specific muscle folds. As skin loses elasticity, frequent folding of the skin will eventually leave a crease in the skin even when the muscle is at rest. To improve the lines in the above-mentioned areas, it is critical that the muscle activity be controlled. Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® are chemically identical neuromodulator proteins that are manufactured to block the nerve endings release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine so that muscle contracture cannot occur. The beneficial effects of these medicines first appear about 2-3 days after injection and last on average between 3 and 6 months. To maintain the relaxation of the facial muscles that have been treated, retreatment is required. If the effects of the medication are allowed to go away completely, the muscle will simply return to it normal activity level unless the muscle has been kept “asleep’ continuously for about 2 years or more. In that circumstance, the muscle may have atrophied to the point that some residual weakness may persist even if these medications are not continued. Though this effect may be deemed desirable by some since continued treatment with either Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® may not be necessary, this cannot be reliably predicted,

Additional aesthetic uses for Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® include balancing facial muscle activity in patients with facial paralysis, “lifting” of the eyebrows and corners of the mouth, “opening” the eyes in patients whose eyes become excessively squinted with smiling, controlling “bunny lines” on the nose, reducing the lateral fullness of a face by treating the masseter muscles, reducing chin dimpling and dropping the upper lip to reduce excess maxillary gum show.

Dr. Yellin is a nationally recognized expert in neuromodulators, medicines that temporarily reduce muscular activity. As a member of the National Education Foundation, he teaches other physicians throughout the country the proper techniques for using Botox® to enhance facial appearance.